SMART Financial Goals

S – Specific, M – Measurable, A – Attainable, R – Realistic, T – Time-line

As you develop your financial goals, be certain that they are SMART goals. SMART financial
goals have the following criteria:

S– Must be SPECIFIC with dollar amounts, dates and resources identified to be used in
accomplishing the goals.

M- Must be MEASURABLE; determine regular amounts weekly, bimonthly or monthly to set

aside to accomplish goals. Another good “M” word to consider is MUTUAL. Goals that
are mutual or shared with other family members will be easier to achieve. It is also
important to think about how you will keep yourself and other family members
MOTIVATED to achieve goals, especially long-term goals.

A– Your goals need to be ATTAINABLE given your financial situation.

R– It is important that your goals are RELEVANT and REALISTIC. What RESOURCES are
available for you to use in achieving your goals? It is also important to REVIEW and
REVISE your goals periodically as necessary.

T– You need a specific TIME-LINE for accomplishing your goals. To achieve those goals,
you must also be willing to make TRADE-OFFS in your financial life. Know the
difference between needs and wants. Because there is never enough money to fund all
of your financial goals at one time, you will also need to prioritize your goals.
 SMART Financial Goals Worksheet
Use this form to write down your most important short- and long-term financial goals, so you
can begin saving and investing to reach these goals. Be certain that your goals are Specific,
Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timebound.
Pre-Retirement Goals
Goal Target Date Amount Needed

After-Retirement Goals
Goal Target Date Amount Needed

Adapted by: Jeanette Tucker, Ph.D., LSU AgCenter

Originally developed by : Dena Wise, Ph.D., University of Tennessee Extension

Visit our Web site www.lsuagcenter.com

This material was made possible by
a grant from the FINRA Investor
Education Foundation
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, William B. Richardson, Chancellor
Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, David Boethel, Vice Chancellor and Director
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. Paul D. Coreil, Vice Chancellor and Director
Pub. Misc 50 11/09
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of Congress of May 8 & June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. The Louisiana Cooperative Extension
Services provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.